Raised Bed- Soil/growing medium

Ed of Somis · December 25, 2014

I have completed my first raised bed...and I am a little bit proud (hehe). I used 2x12's and it has an inside width of 27" (18' long). I am comfortable with that for single-row maters. I considered all the suggestions and ended up with the following blend (basically) for my planting medium. Approx 1/3rd is loose/sandy topsoil, 1/3rd is steer manure/compost blend, and 1/3rd is compost...with some perlite mixed in too. I heard your ideas of compost! My plan is to add only compost in the future as the mix sinks in and compresses. I hope this will work OK. Should I consider any organic fertilizer at first Spring planting??? thanks

jmsieglaff · December 25, 2014

Sounds like a nice bed, now we just need pictures! I think your soil is fine sounds similar to what I did. While I would argue you likely doesn't need anything, you could add some rock phosphate or bone meal to increase the phosphate content since in my view that may be the only main nutrient that is lacking. No way to know for sure without soil analysis but you are probably fine. What did you use for wood?

Ed of Somis · December 25, 2014

thanks J...actually I used pressure treated 2x12's. I have read several places that the dangerous/unhealthy chemicals in these were banned in 2007. Probably not the most organic/natural...but it was my best option in my opinion. Redwood is very expensive and not as rot-resistant as advertised. I do not know how to pic this...but it is level and square, with 8' t posts with 6" wire down the center. looks pretty sanitary...

AlittleSalt · December 25, 2014

I don't think there is any concern using the newer pressure treated lumber. I cannot say if using organic fertilizers at planting would be needed or not because of exactly what jmsieglaff wrote above. Organic compost tea is an option too.

Sounds really nice. I can't wait to see pictures in 2015.

drew51 · December 27, 2014

You made good choices, I myself would use organic fertilizer. Compost alone is not enough. I use rock phosphate or have, but you must realize it may be a year or more before it is available. I would use a starter fertilizer too when planting out, but that's me.
Hard to burn plants with organics. I have noticed my raised bed soil looks excellent and is filled with worms. I add organic matter all the time too. Leaves, coffee grounds etc. More compost every year, and whatever else I have around.

December 25, 2014	#1
Ed of Somis Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Somis, Ca Posts: 649	Raised Bed- Soil/growing medium I have completed my first raised bed...and I am a little bit proud (hehe). I used 2x12's and it has an inside width of 27" (18' long). I am comfortable with that for single-row maters. I considered all the suggestions and ended up with the following blend (basically) for my planting medium. Approx 1/3rd is loose/sandy topsoil, 1/3rd is steer manure/compost blend, and 1/3rd is compost...with some perlite mixed in too. I heard your ideas of compost! My plan is to add only compost in the future as the mix sinks in and compresses. I hope this will work OK. Should I consider any organic fertilizer at first Spring planting??? thanks

December 25, 2014	#2
jmsieglaff Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Southern WI Posts: 2,742	Sounds like a nice bed, now we just need pictures! I think your soil is fine sounds similar to what I did. While I would argue you likely doesn't need anything, you could add some rock phosphate or bone meal to increase the phosphate content since in my view that may be the only main nutrient that is lacking. No way to know for sure without soil analysis but you are probably fine. What did you use for wood?

December 25, 2014	#4
AlittleSalt BANNED FOR LIFE Join Date: May 2014 Posts: 13,333	I don't think there is any concern using the newer pressure treated lumber. I cannot say if using organic fertilizers at planting would be needed or not because of exactly what jmsieglaff wrote above. Organic compost tea is an option too. Sounds really nice. I can't wait to see pictures in 2015.

December 27, 2014	#5
drew51 Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Sterling Heights, MI Zone 6a/5b Posts: 1,302	You made good choices, I myself would use organic fertilizer. Compost alone is not enough. I use rock phosphate or have, but you must realize it may be a year or more before it is available. I would use a starter fertilizer too when planting out, but that's me. Hard to burn plants with organics. I have noticed my raised bed soil looks excellent and is filled with worms. I add organic matter all the time too. Leaves, coffee grounds etc. More compost every year, and whatever else I have around.